[sonier]

Im wanting to build my own revolver completly from scratch. going to trinidad gunsmithing college for two year degree in gunsmithing. im wanting to start planning me a custom revolver. I like the 357 magnum a lot an looking at chambering it for 357 maxmium. Im in a area with cougars and bears all over the place so i want a cartridge adequate for whatever north america can throw at me. keep in mind this is a backup weapon never attended for hunting just self defense.

so what frame would best suit me for starting this project. i was spoiled off an 357 mag colt python. so i want magnum load capabilities and i dont want a snubnose either. im looking at an 8'' barrel.

quality over cost is major concern in this project would like some input guys help me out.

[hardluk1]

Well you did say a 357 maxium or maximum??? I would look to only one revolver ,, Dan Wesson from the early days . Made at Monson or Palmer . No other hand gun has a better action or won more long range matches. They can be bought at decent prices still for the 357 and 44 mag guns. I don't understand if built from scatch or custom up a current gun ??? If only for protection you my also want to look at some of the custom ruger 357 blackhawk guns that have been changed to 5 shot and big bore. Or maybe a custom ruger 357 double action set up the same way as a 5 shot big bore. Maybe a 454 casul and can shoot 45 colt heavy loads or cowboy light loads for just play. Also 8" barrels are not quick when needed . Maybe think about a 5" barrel if just for protection against aniamals shots will not be over 40 yards?

[madcratebuilder]

Forget about building a revolver. If you learn how to time DA Colts you well have full time work the rest of your life.

[kanook]

i think that you need a longer frame to build a 357 max. not sure though, just think. i believe that they stretched the frame so that it wouldn't chamber in a regular 357 mag. same as 38 to 357 mag to 357 max.

[hardluk1]

kanook,Right the maximum is longer like the ,aaa, 445 super mag and a 370 something. Those are just to darn pricey.

[earplug]

The stretched 357's were made for long range silhouette shooting.
You might consider a degree in machine work and attend several summer courses for gunsmithing.
Buy a load of quality hand tools and learn to use them.

Learning to program and run modern metal working machines will pay the bills.

[sonier]

well there summer program isnt as extensive as there two year degree. they have a two year degree in just gunsmithing and that is what im attending i will be getting a lot of high quality tools, and my own workshop with machine lathes and all the machinery later as well.

when i say custom gun i mean i want the fram in one hand all the other parts in the other. i expect to file down some peices i want it too take a while and i want it to work wonderfully. 357 maxmium is a strong cartridge and im just trying to find out what frame would better suit this cartridge.

[hardluk1]

You can do a check on a reloading table about overall lenghts of rounds but the dan wesson super mags and maybe ,maybe the guns made by s&w for the 460 and 50 and freedomarms for the 444 and 45/70 might could be the only ones long enough and strong enough for those presure levels.

[SP Shop Foreman]

Maybe I don't understand, but why would you begin building or planning a revolver now before schooling? Won't you be answering all of your own questions as you learn?

Latigo

[sonier]

Well im trying to find out what i need before i walk in classroom. Teachers are always busy asking questions and if i can get a really good idea on a parts list i can run it by him real quick and make real quick fixes on parts that are needed and not just saves time.

o and i may end up doing this before my revolver class in the school lol, a little impatient over here